10 Nov
Blog

Logitech Pop Keys Review: A Typewriter for the Modern Age

Logitech Pop Keys in Daydream color scheme.

Logitech Pop Keys put to the test: a modern mechanical keyboard with retro charm

RRP $ 99.00

"The Pop Keys mechanical keyboard from Logitech is a stylish and modern interpretation of the venerable typewriter of yore."

advantages

  • A modernized version of the keys on a typewriter

  • Satisfactory mechanical buttons

  • Easy pairing with up to three devices

  • Logi Bolt support

  • Emoji key

disadvantage

  • No backlight

  • No replacement keycap options at this time

The humble keyboard doesn't often conjure up images of a beautiful work of art. It is often perceived as a more useful device.

Yet the simple keyboard exerts so much creative power – some of the greatest writers of our time, from Mark Twain to Ernest Hemingway and Maya Angelou, wrote their best works on a keyboard (more precisely a typewriter in most cases). . With its latest Pop Keys keyboard, Logitech aims to inspire by combining the retro charm of typewriters with some of the best technology today.

The Logitech Pop Keys is a mechanical keyboard that is highlighted by bright colors, support for modern connectivity, and even emoji keys for modern communication. While not the first keyboard to mimic the old-world charm of typewriters, Logitech's $ 99 Pop Keys is perhaps the most accessible and affordable modern mechanical take on what has become a relic, especially when compared to the QwerkyWriter S for $ 299, the Azio MK retro keyboard for $ 220, or the Rymek Knewkey for $ 164.

draft

Logitech Pop Keys color palette.

The first thing you'll notice about Logitech's Pop Keys is that they come with a "pop" of color. The keyboards are available in bright colors, including Daydream, which combines mint, yellow and lavender keys, a pink heartbreaker, or the classic Blast, which is available in black and yellow. The designers at Logitech claim that the keyboard was developed for Generation Z users who want more individuality and personality in their workspace.

Although I was initially wary of the stark contrast of the blast unit for review – I'm more used to a floating sea of ​​beige or black keys that are more common on corporate desks – the bumblebee-colored keyboard was playful but not garish like some Gaming keyboards. I found the color fun and the accented keys brightened my desk in unexpected ways. Unfortunately, more professional key colors are not available and I would still like the option for subtle, adult colors for everyday use.

Logitech Pop Keys versus Logitech MX Keys Mini.

My Blast keyboard comes with a yellow keyboard deck that is accented by a sea of ​​circular floating black keys with yellow glyphs. Like the MX Keys Mini, the keyboard is designed to work with both Mac and PC. Some of the modifiers and special keys on the keyboard – Control, Function, Shift, Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, Enter, and more – are gray with yellow glyphs.

While the Qwerkywriter and KnewKey attempt to be a more authentic reproduction of the tools that preceded them, the Pop Key takes a more minimalist, modernized, and deconstructed design into its aesthetic. It comes with more modern buttons – the dictation and microphone mute buttons are one of my favorites along with the new emoji support – and the design is a playful interpretation of the typewriter buttons and not a faithful reproduction of the chrome-framed buttons found on the KnewKey and Qwerkywriter.

Logitech's latest Pop Keys keyboard has dedicated emoji keys.

At 321.2 x 138.47 x 35.4 mm, the Pop Keys keyboard is slightly wider than the MX Keys Mini – you get a similar keyboard layout, but the former comes with an additional column of emoji shortcuts next to the full-size arrow keys compared to the latter's more compressed inverted T layout. The mechanical key switches also make the Pop Keys thicker overall.

Emoji shortcut is the second biggest feature of the Pop Keys that sets this humble keyboard apart from the competition. In addition to standard writing, Logitech is banking on emoji as the future of communication, and the pop buttons come with four pre-installed emoji buttons and four additional buttons in the box that can be swapped out. A fifth emoji button brings up the full emoji menu so you can choose any emoji or character you want.

While the purpose of these new buttons is to help users communicate with emojis, which Logitech claims is the fastest growing language in the world, the buttons can be customized to launch certain emoji characters (even if these characters are not defined by the supplied keycaps). via the downloadable Pop keyboard customization software.

As with the MX Keys Mini, you won't find an extended keyboard layout with a dedicated number pad in the Pop Keys. The more compact size, Logitech claims, makes this keyboard more ergonomic if you don't use spreadsheets or numbers a lot.

The golden escape button.

Our Blast keyboard comes with a metallic, lacquered, copper-colored escape key that enhances the typewriter aesthetic of the keyboard. Purists may complain that the escape key is the lone key in a different color, but the brass-like finish gives it a vintage vibe.

There are function keys in the top row next to the Escape key. These buttons can also be used to switch between device inputs – the Pop buttons can be paired with up to three devices, like Logitech's Premium MX series for work. You'll also find keyboard shortcuts for controlling media playback, a voice dictation button, a screenshot button, and a microphone mute. That final key was a godsend during the pandemic as Zoom calling has become the new normal.

There's a sleek back bar protruding from the back of the keyboard in a design that mimics Logitech's MX Keys and MX Keys Mini. This bar houses the battery compartment; two AAA batteries are required. The company claims that fresh batteries last around three years after typing. A power switch on the right edge of the keyboard helps to conserve the battery when not in use. Personally, I would have loved if the Pop Keys came with internal batteries that could be charged via a USB-C cable, but company executives claimed that Logitech appealed to a different, less tech-savvy audience than those who did use the MX series.

Typing experience

A splash of color with the Logitech Pop Keys

Unlike traditional desktop productivity keyboards, the Pop Keys use mechanical key switches – a design more commonly found on gaming keyboards – for a more responsive and satisfying typing experience. Logitech didn't name the type of switch used on the Pop buttons, but the design and typing feel similar to Cherry MX switches.

This means the keyboard was relatively quiet, especially since it's a mechanical keyboard, and it didn't require as much force as other premium gaming keyboards. And thanks to the concave, circular design of the keycaps, the keys wrap well around the fingertips and are stable, even if you press the keys from the edge of the keycaps rather than from the center.

When we asked about the key travel and actuation force, the company's executives were similarly reluctant and did not provide any information about the pop keys. We found Key Travel to be generous. And the moderate actuation force means you don't have to use too much finger force to move the keys, but simply touching the key while typing doesn't register accidental key presses.

It took me a solid hour to actually type and adjust to the pop keys, and I have found that even if you are experienced with typing or using a mechanical keyboard, some adjustments are required. The main reasons are that the round keys, while eye-pleasing and pleasing to the eye, and the key spacing mean that those typing with more vulnerable wrists and fingers may find fingernails catching the key when the keys are pushed up directly above it or your fingertips can brush adjacent buttons. This problem becomes very evident in those who come from flatter keys on notebook keyboards

Raised keys on the Logitech Pop Keys

While you initially get used to Logitech's button design, this may slow down your typing speed and accuracy, but things will normalize in about an hour.

Compared to the click-clack typing sound of the original Qwerkywriter (not the newest Qwerkywriter S), the Pop Keys make a deeper and more satisfying “thunk” sound when the keys are pressed. I prefer the low tone that the Pop Keys make as I found that less distracting, especially if you are sharing the office space. The auditory comparison is similar to comparing the butterfly key switches on a MacBook Pro from 2016 with the MX Keys from Logitech. Apple's standard laptop keyboard – which has since been upgraded to scissor switches on newer models – had louder, hollow sounds compared to the low-frequency response of the MX Keys and MX Keys Mini.

Looking at the key switches on my HP Omen Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, the Pop Keys definitely feel stiffer and require more actuation force, but it's more satisfying when you're typing a long document or looking to become the next Hemingway. While the keys of the Omen sound hollow and rattle a little when typing quickly, the keys of the pop keys seem more stable.

The only thing missing from the Pop Keys that would have made them even more perfect would be the backlight. Logitech wouldn't have to offer the crazy RGB lighting that's standard on many gaming keyboards, but even a subtle white glow – or lighting that is color-coordinated with the Blast's key colors – would have been nice for night-time typists. The inclusion of backlit keys makes the RK Royal Kludge – a keyboard with similar round, typewriter-inspired keys – an attractive alternative to the Pop Keys.

Although the Pop Keys are not lacking in full backlighting, there are a total of five LED lights on the keyboard. There are three white LEDs, one on each of the pairing buttons to identify which device you have paired with the keyboard, an LED indicator on the caps lock key, and a green LED on the right keyboard deck to indicate that the pop keys are activated are switched on.

Emoji

Logitech Pop Keys comes with special emoji buttons.

In addition to being the fastest growing language, a useful perk of emoji is that the characters also impart more empathy and help you connect with your audience. This is especially important during the global pandemic, where most of our communication is digital and a significant part of our interaction is virtual.

According to a study by Logitech, over 88% of users are likely to feel empathy for someone who uses emojis in their communication, and given the prevalence of emojis in casual and some professional communication, like Slack and Microsoft Teams messages, they are quick to hit Access to these special characters is particularly useful.

Heartbreaker colored Logitech Pop Keys.

To use the emoji buttons, you'll need to download software from Logitech, which is available for Windows and macOS. The keyboard also works with Chrome OS, Android, iPadOS, and iOS devices, but you can't map or use the emoji buttons.

With the software downloaded and installed, Logitech gives you many customization options with the emoji. You can map the emoji to match what is displayed on the button – for example, the smiling face with the heart-eye button shows the same emoji on your screen when pressed – or you can map the button to a different emoji than on the indicated key caps. In the latter case, if you often use the celebration emoji or the fireworks emoji, you can either assign the keycap that shows the smiling face with heart eyes.

The software allows you to universally map the emoji for all apps, or you can use different emoji for different apps. For example, if you use a specific emoji when communicating via WeChat or iMessage, you can assign it to one of the keys when you are in that app, but you can assign the key to another emoji when you are in another app.

Interchangeable emoji buttons and switches on the Logitech Pop Keys.

In addition to emoji, you can map any of the five emoji buttons along with the top row of function keys to perform various tasks. If you're not using an emoji, you can, for example, map one of the emoji buttons to show Mission Control or open Launch Pad on your Mac. A second emoji button can be used for copy and paste, access to the lookup menu, or other functions.

This software defined key mapping really makes the Pop Keys even more customizable and personal, whether you're a Gen Z, typist using emoji, or more of a traditional keyboard user who just wants more keyboard shortcuts.

And since the keyboard comes with a total of eight emoji keycaps – four on the keyboard and four in the box – switching between keycaps is very easy. All you have to do is grab the keycap with your finger and pull up to remove the cap, then push the keycap down on the “+” shaped switch to replace it .

Software to customize the function of the emoji buttons on the Logitech Pop Keys keyboard.

This process can be applied to any key on the keyboard, and Logitech says that in theory you can replace any key on the Pop-Keys because it uses an unnamed, standard switch mechanism. I hadn't tried the mix-and-match philosophy here with the alphanumeric keys, but you can in theory replace the keys here with square keys instead of round keys, although that's the purpose of buying a retro-inspired tool like the Pop Keys. However, company officials warned that this could affect key spacing, key travel, and the fit of each keycap.

And as with the MX Keys series, there are toggle switches for switching between three coupled devices with the function keys F1, F2 and F3. For example, you can easily switch between a MacBook Pro, Windows PC, and iPad Pro if you switch between them frequently for your workflow. The Pop Keys connect to your preferred computing device via Bluetooth, and a Logi Bolt connection dongle is also included if you need a more secure, reliable connection between the keyboard and your PC. To make it easier to carry the dongle, the Pop Keys have a dedicated slot in which the Logi Bolt connection is located when you are not using it.

Logitech Pop Keys in Daydream color scheme.

Logitech also has an accompanying pop mouse that is color-coordinated with the same color options from Blast, Daydream, and Heartbreaker. The Pop Mouse is part of Logitech's Studio series and is similar in design to the company's existing Pebble mouse. It comes with a scroll wheel and a dedicated button that can be customized, like the emoji keyboard keys on the pop keys. With the mouse, you can use a different emoji key, or assign that key to perform another task through Logitech software.

Our opinion

Logitech Pop Keys and Pop Mouse are part of the Logitech Studio Series.

The Pop Keys from Logitech bring a lot of playful mood to stoic desks with their splash of color. While the Pop Keys may have their stylish inspiration from typing tools of yesteryear, the Pop Keys isn't your grandfather's typewriter – this keyboard artfully blends its old world charm with modern technology like strong connectivity options, long battery life, and support for emoji to inspire the next generation of creatives.

are there alternatives

At $ 99 for the Pop Keys and $ 39 for the Pop Mouse, there are plenty of alternatives to these Studio-series peripherals. Some of the most notable competitors for the Pop Keys include other retro-inspired keyboards like the Qwerkywriter S, Rymek KnewKey, and the Azio MK Keyboard. All of these keyboards have similar mechanical switch mechanisms and circular keys that remind them of typewriters, but none offer the same modern day versatility of the pop keys, including dedicated emoji keys, media and function keys that can be customized, and support for Logi Bolt. Another attractive feature of the Pop Keys is that they are between $ 100 and $ 200 less than some of their closest competitors.

How long it will take

Logitech's Pop Keys, like previous typewriters, will last you a very long time. The batteries last for three years, and when you replace them with fresh batteries, they will last much longer. While replaceable batteries aren't as good for the environment as rechargeable internal batteries, you don't have to worry about the batteries holding a charge as the Pop Keys ages. This means that you don't have to throw away an otherwise perfectly usable keyboard after years because the internal battery has exceeded its lifespan, you can simply swap in new batteries and continue with this keyboard. Logitech offers a one-year limited hardware warranty for the Pop Keys in the United States and most parts of Asia, although you get a two-year warranty if you buy the keyboard in Japan and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Should I buy it

Yes, if you rely on or use emojis, the Pop Keys are an invaluable tool for your home or home office. Although designed with teenagers and tweens in mind, the Pop Keys is a fun keyboard that will brighten up any room. Logitech has modernized the typewriter for the modern age.

Editor's recommendations



21 Aug
Blog

Time Restricted Eating Is All About Age and Sex

Intermittent fasting, the time restricted eating process (TRE) is something when it comes to weight loss and some diseases.

Limited Time Eating (TRE) is the shiny shiny toy everyone wants on their diet list these days. Yes, you can call it intermittent fasting. Salk scientists studied TRE in mice and looked at how it promotes several health benefits in addition to weight loss. The study also shows that these benefits can vary based on gender and age.

Continue reading

20 Aug
Blog

Time Restricted Eating Is All About Age and Sex

Intermittent fasting, the time restricted eating process (TRE) is something when it comes to weight loss and some diseases.

Limited Time Eating (TRE) is the shiny shiny toy everyone wants on their diet list these days. Yes, you can call it intermittent fasting. Salk scientists studied TRE in mice and looked at how it promotes several health benefits in addition to weight loss. The study also shows that these benefits can vary based on gender and age.

Continue reading

02 Aug
Blog

Building Muscle as You Age

It was enlightening to delve deep into a large amount of sarcopenia research and learn that we are all largely in control of how much muscle and strength we have as we age.

It is common knowledge that as we age, we lose muscle mass and strength. This is known as sarcopenia.

Continue reading

30 Jul
Blog

Building Muscle as You Age

It was enlightening to delve deep into a large amount of research into sarcopenia and learn that we are all largely in control of how much muscle and strength we have as we age.

It is common knowledge that as we age, we lose muscle mass and strength. This is known as sarcopenia.

Continue reading

19 Mar
Blog

3 Body Parts That Age Faster Than Your Face

For the most part, targeting the face when battling the signs of aging is what you are aiming for. We think it's time to focus on other parts of the body that can cause years of damage just as quickly, and maybe even faster. Your elbows and knees look dull and rough as you age, thanks to the thick buildup of dead skin on the surface, and your hands and chest area are not as smooth as you once thought they were. But don't worry yet. There are simple, extremely effective tactics to treating these areas with the right skin care ingredients. Here are three areas of the body that are often overlooked and can even age faster than your face – plus the best natural ingredients to look for in your skin care products.

old looking knee

Elbows & knees

Unlike the skin on your face, less attention is paid to the skin on other parts of the body until later in life. All of a sudden, you'll notice the crepe, dry skin on your elbows and knees from years of sun exposure and collagen loss. The skin around your joints is constantly bent and stretched, which ultimately leaves it loose and downright flabby. In addition to years of active use, these areas are usually dry and exposed to the sun in the summer months. This combination of external factors results in skin damage that is damaged by contact with the elements, has a dry texture, and is sometimes saggy.

Our solution:

Your current skin regimen may not be enough to revive the cracked, sandpaper-like elbows and knees that most of us have. If you're wondering how to keep your elbows and knees looking younger, here are some of the best skin care ingredients:

  • Coconut water is a moisturizing and toning ingredient that contains vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.
  • Coconut milk is moisturizing and nourishing and makes the appearance of the skin softer.
  • High in antioxidants, argan oil smoothes and moisturizes the appearance of the skin.
  • Shea butter is a moisturizer that is high in triglycerides and fatty acids. This emollient moisturizing ingredient helps revitalize and repair the skin.
  • Grapeseed oil is an antioxidant that fights free radicals against the skin.

Our Coconut Firming Body Lotion contains coconut, shea butter and grapeseed oil, which makes your skin look tight and firm while ensuring deep and lasting hydration.

We also recommend the Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream, which takes on the night shift with its exclusive layer Anti-aging stem cell complex – This ultra-rich night body cream makes the elbows and knees firmer, denser and smoother in the morning.

Chest & neck

The fact is: over time, the skin begins to wrinkle. And as you age, the decrease in collagen and elastin production causes the skin to lose its ability to recover and maintain its shape. Since the skin of the chest and neck is particularly thin, gravity quickly shows signs of age when the skin becomes saggy and wrinkled. Certain habits such as smoking can also wrinkle the skin on your chest, neck, or part of your skin.

Our solution:

The hydration is very effective in preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As mentioned earlier, shea butter, argan oil, and grapeseed oil are moisturizing and moisturizing ingredients that nourish all areas of the skin including the neck and chest. In addition:

  • Evening primrose oil is a powerful moisturizing ingredient.
  • Jojoba oil supports and hydrates the skin.

Our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for face and neck works overnight on your skin in the chest and neck area – nourishes, fills and reduces signs of wrinkles. During the day, you can turn to the Hibiscus Ultra Lift Neck Cream. The Advanced Instant Lift fX The formulation instantly gives the neck and chest wrinkles a firm look, making them look rejuvenated and tightened. The skin of your chest is thinner compared to the rest of your body. So when you apply a throat cream, stretch the product up to your chest to make sure that that sensitive area is also hydrated.

Your hands

The skin is affected by two factors – our age and exposure to the sun over time. The skin of our entire body consists of the epidermis (outermost layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the subcutis (lower layer). The dermis supports the structure of the skin, made up of collagen, elastin, and other fibers that give your skin a smooth, bouncy look.

What is irritating is that no part of the body is more meaningful than your hands, since wrinkles and age spots appear here with age. In an interview with Healthy.com, board certified dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD says: “Hormonal changes lead to a loss of skin elasticity and volume on the back of the hand. These changes cause the crepe-like appearance of the skin and also make the veins very evident. "

In particular, the gradual loss of oil glands in this area causes the hands to become dry and wrinkled with age. In addition to natural aging, since your hands are exposed most of the time, sun damage is the main culprit in causing the signs of aging to appear prematurely.

Our solution:

Increase hydration and protect the skin by applying a sunscreen that contains moisturizing ingredients. Some of the key ingredients to look for include:

  • Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that blocks UV rays to protect the skin from UV rays.
  • Aloe Vera is a moisturizer that soothes dry skin, soothes the appearance of sun damage, while moisturizing and softening the appearance of the skin.

We recommend our Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 not only for the entire body, but also to improve the visible signs of aging on your hands. In addition to aloe vera and zinc oxide, this organic formula contains Lilikoi (passion fruit) seed oil, which contains vitamin C and antioxidants to help promote the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Using raspberry seed oil gives your complexion yet another skin repairing ingredient that uses antioxidants to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by fighting free radicals. This mineral sun protection is non-greasy and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It is also very effective for outdoor activities such as swimming and high-performance sports.

For more information on tackling the signs of aging from head to toe, visit our spa locator to find an Eminence Organics spa partner near you.

Product selection

Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream

Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream

VIEW PRODUCT

Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport sun protection

Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sun Protection SPF 30

VIEW PRODUCT

This article was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

23 Nov
Blog

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review: Spinoff Gold

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Bad luck

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review: The New Gold Standard for Spinoffs

"Age of Calamity offers a first-class Zelda story with surprisingly varied hack-and-slash battles."

  • Excellent storytelling

  • Varied fight

  • Unique character skills

  • Tons of content

  • Repeated goals

  • Technical problems

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is the first Zelda game that is actually about Zelda. Despite the fact that the series is named after her, the princess has played second fiddle after the legendary Link for almost 35 years. Nintendo's newest game finally gives her the limelight she deserves and shows fans why she truly is a legend.

It's ironic that crucial character development takes place in a side game that doesn't even bear their name, but Age of Calamity is a lot more than your average spin-off. Building on the dedication of the first Hyrule Warriors to larger-than-life battles à la Dynasty Warriors, the action game is treated with the same care and thought as a Zelda main title. It's billed as a proper prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – and it's clear Nintendo didn't take that pitch lightly.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is the new gold standard for video game spin-offs. It more specifically uses full-scale combat to weave a high-stakes Zelda story, one of the most compelling stories to come out of a Nintendo mansion.

A connection to the past

Age of Calamity tells the story of the great war that plunged Hyrule into darkness 100 years before Breath of the Wild began. With the help of a time-traveling droid, Princess Zelda assembles a Crackerjack team of Hyrule's finest warriors to prevent the inevitable rise of Calamity Gannon. The genre fits this setup perfectly, so the war actually feels as great as it was described.

Link may be the first character on the character selection screen, but Zelda herself is the real star. The story mainly focuses on her insecurity as a leader during a crisis at the end of the kingdom. Even her move is clumsy compared to other characters, as she randomly dumps bombs and blocks of ice while Link confidently cuts through the crowd. Her Arc of Salvation is more emotionally impactful than anything the Zelda series has offered in the past, which makes it a standout Nintendo narrative.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Bad luck

The story is largely told through fantastic cutscenes that feel as polished and detailed as an animated film. Characters are brought to life in ways that even Breath of the Wild hasn't, and the cinematic clashes are truly exhilarating. I never thought Zelda could work as a TV show or movie, but Age of Calamity is the most compelling case the series has ever released.

One reason it works is because of the raw material. Breath of the Wild is perhaps best known for its creative focus on open-world design, but it's easy to miss how charming the worldbuilding and characters are. Age of Calamity reinforces all of these strengths and retrospectively brings more depth, story and commitment into the game.

I never thought Zelda could work as a TV show or movie, but Age of Calamity is the most compelling case the series has ever released.

A key example of this are the divine beasts, the massive robotic animals that play a central role in both games. Breath of the Wild shows how powerful they are, but mostly uses them as elaborate puzzle dungeons. Age of Calamity pays off that lip service by letting players control the beasts and mow down literally thousands of enemies in seconds. The game is full of "Show, Don & # 39; t Tell" moments that make the world of Breath of the Wild better without trampling on its mystique.

Nintendo's own Zelda team worked much more closely with Koei Tecmo on the game to create its story elements – and the practical approaches show this. While the game requires a working knowledge of Breath of the Wild to truly appreciate its strengths, Age of Calamity offers a dramatic weight that is rare in Nintendo games.

High stakes fight

It's important to set the right expectations for Age of Calamity's gameplay – it's still primarily a Musou game that is similar to Dynasty Warriors. That comes with all the good and bad that the genre has to offer. The fight is incredibly satisfying, but the repetition is burned into its core. Players will knock down tens of thousands of enemies, repeating objectives over and over, and crushing the same two buttons until their fingers get sore. If you haven't decided on this type of game yet, you probably won't find a revelation here.

Every time I got tired of the fighting, I unlocked a different character who instantly sparked my interest.

Age of Calamity is doing an exemplary job of keeping the fight fresh until the end of its 20-hour campaign. The main secret of success lies in the concentration on the character. There are a total of 18 playable heroes that are continuously unlocked as the game progresses. Every time I got tired of the fighting, I unlocked someone who instantly revived my interest.

The game takes an almost Super Smash Bros. approach to character creation. While the basic attacks and buttons are the same for every hero, each one has their own quirks that make them feel special. Impa can create clones of itself to crush more enemies at once, while Revali can throw itself in the air and rain arrows down from above. Such differences add a level of experimentation to the game every time players unlock a new character, and turn repetitive targets into a fun battleground.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Bad luck

Runic skills play a huge role in combat. This is the main change in the game from the first Hyrule warriors. Each character can throw bombs, freeze enemies, grab metal objects, and create walls of ice to counter enemies, adding surprising variety to the standard battle loop for light and heavy attacks. Additionally, the way the skills work changes from character to character, giving players another compelling reason to change things up on each mission and see what kind of damage they can do.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the length the developers have taken to keep changing the battle. Different weapons can completely change movement sets, each character has a special ability on the right trigger that is completely unique, and new combos are continuously unlocked through the story. There are an amazing number of options that you can play around with to successfully prove that there is more than one way to skin a Hinox.

Pushed to the limit

At first glance, Age of Calamity looks slimmer compared to the original Hyrule Warriors. The Wii U version featured a menu full of game modes that took over 200 hours to complete, while the new game has a core story mode. The light veneer turns out to be an illusion as the game is actually full of content.

The game uses the Breath of the Wild map as its overworld screen, displaying all of the available missions, subquests, and unlockable items. The map fills with symbols throughout the adventure, which becomes downright daunting in the end. Having each target in one place is a huge improvement over the comparatively disorganized Hyrule Warriors. There's still a lot to be done, though most of it revolves around more slashes, but it's a less excessive offering that's easier to navigate.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Bad luck

With all of this content, Age of Calamity is really pushing the Switch to its limits. It's a huge game that is not without its technical flaws. Crazy combos can cause the frame rate to temporarily drop to the speed of a slideshow. Even stranger, sometimes the game inexplicably doubles in speed and looks like a movie that's fast-forwarding.

The multiplayer mode in particular bears the brunt of the technical pain. The game has a split screen for two players that dramatically lowers the performance of the game in a comedic way. That's a shame because it offers a really fun couch-co-op experience that rewards friends who can coordinate and execute a battle plan.

Crazy combos can cause the frame rate to temporarily drop to the speed of a slideshow.

To his credit, the game never crashed on me, even if it felt like my Switch was about to explode. It has always made it out of a stutter unscathed and flawlessly. In some ways, the stutters almost feel like a badge of honor letting the players know that they carried out a seriously devastating attack. It's not ideal, but at least it's not groundbreaking.

Like Zelda herself, the game can sometimes feel like it's gone over your head in the battle against technology. That's part of the fun of the genre, however. Musou games require large swings to make players feel like an unstoppable force of nature. For all its stutters, Age of Calamity successfully brings Hyrule's great war to life and lets the champions live up to their title.

Our opinion

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity sets the bar for both Nintendo spin-offs with A + stories that enhance the breath of the wild and enable deceptively diverse, character-based battles. It's still a Dynasty Warriors game, good or bad, but the game makes that less of a limitation than a fresh start for a polarizing genre.

Is there a better alternative?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is still king, but Age of Calamity is perhaps the best and most accessible musou game out there.

How long it will take?

The campaign with a healthy dose of side missions lasts north of 20 hours, but it will take twice as long to hit 100%.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you loved Breath of the Wild, it's an excellent accompaniment that adds retrospectively to the experience.

Editor's recommendations




25 Aug
Blog

Fall Guys Review: A Battle Royale For A New Age

Fall Guys Key Art

Fall Guys Review: A Battle Royale For A New Age

"Fall Guys is a family-friendly battle royale and a contender for Game of the Year."

  • Addicting gameplay

  • Familyfriendly

  • Good balance between luck and skill

  • Well structured microtransactions

It's hard to imagine that someone wouldn't fall in love with Fall Guys, a new battle royale that overcomes its shortcomings by offering a unique experience in the genre. The colorful world, charming character designs and rich cosmetics will bring much-needed joy to every gamer.

Unfortunately, the game has some growing issues too, as its immense popularity collided with the fact that its developer, Mediatonic, only has 13 employees. The team has worked tirelessly to iron out bugs, some of which have made certain game types unplayable for a select few players. That said, some of the minor quirks add to the game's charm, and by that I mean, I keep coming back even if I don't think I have a chance to win.

The first family-friendly battle royale

Fall guys seesawProvided by Devolver Digital

Fall Guys takes inspiration from a variety of sources, but its biggest influences are Wipeout-style TV game shows. Each game or “show” to which the game relates consists of several rounds. Each round is designed to shrink the group of 60 players until there is only one left. While many Battle Royale confrontations can last up to half an hour, depending on the skill of a player, a show in Fall Guys only lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, resulting in an addicting “just one” experience.

I keep coming back even when I don't think I have a chance to win.

The titular Fall guys are the anthropomorphic brightly colored beans that are at the heart of the game. Players can unlock cosmetics through an experienced “Battle Pass” as well as kudos, a game currency that can also be bought with real money and used to purchase additional patterns, colors and costumes for your fall man. There are tons of customization options to choose from so that every character in the game is unique and distinguishable.

Some cosmetics require a premium currency called crowns, although you can't buy it with real money. Crowns are either made available through a select few levels on the Season's Battle Pass, or they are awarded for every show you win. In almost every other battle royale, winning just gets you boastful rights and a points boost. There's more incentive here to win at Fall Guys, making every win even sweeter and every loss more bitter. Overall, Fall Guys has one of the best monetization schemes I've seen in a game so far, and it doesn't feel like Mediatonic and publisher Devolver Digital are keeping you on your toes for better cosmetics.

All of these elements make for the first family-friendly battle royale. To the best of my knowledge, it's the first game in the genre where players don't have to shoot each other to win. Many titles are aimed at an older audience, like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Call of Duty: Warzone, and some are aimed at younger players like Fortnite, but none offer the all-age experience that Fall Guys offers.

Far more hits than failures

Fall Boys Hit ParadeProvided by Devolver Digital

Making the game even more accessible to a wider player base is the simplicity of its controls. Aside from moving your character, all you have to worry about is jumping, diving, and grasping. There's no burden to manage or meta-gameplay like building in Fortnite or buying gear in Warzone to deal with. Most cards require all three skills to be used. On the surface, this seems to result in very flat gameplay. The more you play, the more you will find certain strategies and ways to use certain moves that may not have been apparent at first glance.

Fall Guys has one of the best monetization schemes I've seen in a game so far.

For example, in Fall Ball, one of my personal favorites, two teams compete in a Rocket League-style game that tries to hit footballs into the opposing team's goal. At first glance, the only strategy seems to be to jump and dive to hit the ball. However, players began to develop defensive maneuvers by reaching out to opponents to prevent them from reaching the ball at crucial moments. Moves like these show that there is a learning curve in mastering the mechanics of Fall Guys and that there is plenty of room for your skills to grow.

Most of the games are a ton of fun, and personally there are only one or two that I moan about when they show up on the rotation. There are individual and team rounds, each with different goals. Some games will ask you to run to the finish while avoiding obstacles or trying not to be eliminated. Others will ask you to meet certain criteria before a timer expires. There's a lot of variety, which means that each show takes a completely different course.

The team has promised additional levels and cosmetics with each season and has added a new round since the start. However, it would be nice if the games that are out there could be easily customized to create a unique experience. The See Saw level, in which tumble boys race across huge platforms on which the players have to balance, could have a rotation of the placements for the platforms. Instead, it's the same layout for the level at every store. Adjustments like this can make 25 cards feel like hundreds.

Regardless, the game types are fun and haven't exhausted their reception except for Perfect Match. It shows players in a 4 × 4 grid and shows sporadic images of fruit on a handful of the tiles before revealing which fruit players players must stand on before the remaining tiles disappear after a handful of seconds. The game completely ruins the momentum of the show and is easy to go through as you can usually just follow the herd up to the correct tiles. I've been in Perfect Match games where no participants were eliminated. It is hands down the worst type of game.

Fall guys raceProvided by Devolver Digital

Backend problems

The real problems with Fall Guys, however, lie in the backend. For the first week, the game was littered with server issues due to its popularity. This meant that many players were unable to connect and the servers for the game were routinely shut down for maintenance. Even if you got into a game, sometimes the rounds would not be playable.

The game Tip Toe, which asks you to use a large grid of tiles to get to the finish line – some for sure, others collapse if you step on it – had a groundbreaking bug for me in the first two weeks of its release. If I moved too fast, I would slide as if the tiles were covered in oil and would constantly fall off the board. Despite my best efforts, I never won a single game of Tip Toe before resolving the issue.

Many of these issues have been fixed and the servers are far more stable than when they were started. However, they are not 100% present, which means that occasionally you may not be able to connect. Last night the connectivity was so bad it was almost like we were playing again on start day. In addition, some massive bugs were not eliminated. In the PC version, players found a way to change the game through their Steam name. Players can see the names of the participants at any time and certain monikers that contain certain words are displayed in giant letters, obscuring the game. So when you play on the PC your name is Fall Guy and it follows four random numbers.

This is especially frustrating if you're playing at a party that up to four players can jump from on a show. When a player is eliminated, he is showing them gameplay of a random Fall Guy, not necessarily one in your party. When everyone is just "Fall Guy ____" it is awkward to switch the camera to the desired person's point of view. Hopefully both this issue and the automatic switch to a party member's perspective will be fixed in the next update, although with such a small team at MediaTonic it is understandable that these issues have not yet been resolved.

However, it is evidence of the game that despite these blatant issues, it is still an experience I have no hesitation in recommending. It has become one of my favorite games of the year.

The zeitgeist around the game adds to the fun

Fall Guys See SawProvided by Devolver Digital

One element outside of the game itself that improves it is its popularity. The game was released in a similar way to Rocket League in that it is free for PlayStation Plus subscribers for a while. There is evidence that more than 10 million people play the game on PlayStation 4. In addition, both the regular and the collector's edition of the PC version have been at the top of the Steam sales charts since launch. It is one of the most, if not often, most watched games on Twitch right now, with hundreds of thousands of viewers.

It is proof of the game that despite glaring issues, it is still an experience I have no hesitation in recommending.

Everyone on my social media is talking about the game and sharing clips of incredible wins or devastating losses. The Fall Guys Twitter account killed him with his posts and is currently auctioning in-game cosmetics to the highest bidder for charity.

The zeitgeist surrounding the game is abundant and it is a joy to be a part of what cannot normally be said about most games. It means you shouldn't wait to play, although the game seems to have many legs for the months and years to come.

Our opinion

Fall Guys is the game of the moment and one of the best titles to be released in 2020.

Is there a better alternative?

There are certainly plenty of other battle royale games out there, none of which are as accessible to such a large number of players as Fall Guys. Super Mario Party is another fun mini-game collection that has the advantage of being on the Switch but is a lackluster experience compared to almost any other type.

How long it will take?

The nice thing about Fall Guys is: how long should it take? I sat down for a game or two or played several hours at a time. The game is still just as much fun, if not more, than my first few rounds. Given the new cosmetics and levels, as well as the growing community surrounding the game, I can confidently say that Fall Guys will stay here.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The nice thing is that if you have PS Plus that you need to play on PS4 anyway, the game will be free until the end of August. The $ 40 price tag on Steam will bring you hours of fun, and the DLC packs that are optional come with some great cosmetics. Do not miss this game.

Editor's recommendations




09 Jul
Blog

How To Shrink Pores And Why They Get Bigger With Age

If you feel like your pores are getting bigger with age, you are not alone! Indeed, it is a common concern to find out how to minimize pores while fighting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But why is it like that? And what is the best skin care regimen to treat both problems at the same time? Here you will find the answers to these questions and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Aging skin

It's no secret that our skin changes with age – but why is that? Two main factors are a loss of elasticity and a decrease in oil production. With age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases (both are crucial for storage Skin firm and flexible), which leads to less "rebound" of your skin. This is due to hormonal changes and changes in the connective tissue. This is the reason why fine lines become wrinkled and the skin often becomes saggy. Sebaceous glands also produce less oil with age, making your skin look drier, itchier, firmer and feel like it did when you were young. The outer layer of skin (the epidermis) becomes thinner and more sensitive, so that this dry, itchy skin is also more easily irritated by environmental stressors.

Why do my pores look bigger?

How exactly does a decrease in elasticity and oil production enlarge your pores? The pores are also elastic, and when the collagen content decreases, the pores lose this elasticity. As you get older, the skin's natural peeling process Known as desquamation, slows down as your skin dries up. The result is more dead skin cells that sit longer on the surface of the skin and fill pores that are likely to remain stretched.

Aren't you helping this process? Sun damage and sun exposure, which we often see as symptoms of aging skin. How Livestrong points out: “Sun damage creates a cell margin around individual pores. Although this accumulation takes place on a microscopic level, the end result is noticeable … While genetics are responsible for 20 percent of the pore size, sun exposure is a whopping 80 percent. "Eminence Organics Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10%

How do I reduce pores and smooth the appearance of wrinkles?

So what are the main treatments and techniques to minimize pores while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin? Peeling, sun protection and professional treatments with a beautician are the best choice. To alleviate a slower desquamation process, include a gentle peel in your daily skin care routine, along with professional peels that remove dead skin cells.

We recommend booking a treatment with us Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10%, which is safe for even the most sensitive skin types, minimizes the pore size and leaves the skin feeling deeply conditioned and supple. In addition, you should book a skin exam with a licensed beautician who can create a custom routine with you and address your main concerns. To help you get started, we've put together the following home skincare product that contains some of the most popular Eminence Organics products from fans.

Skin care routine

As mentioned earlier, exfoliation is key to minimizing pores and fighting the visible signs of aging, as is hydration to nourish the skin and keep it feeling healthy. The following six steps focus on these two principles so that the skin looks smooth and smooth.Eminence Organics Daily Resurfacing Cleanser

1. Clean

Our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser is a beautiful milky gel that contains ours Lactic acid complex let the skin shine. But our main reason to propose this cleaner? In a # AskNatalie video, Eminence Organics leads the Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar was asked: "What are the best products to help with … large pores, but also fine lines, wrinkles and aging skin?" Natalie recommended our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser because it removes impurities and prepares the skin for peeling . Watch their answer in the video below for more useful tips on how to shrink pores and reduce the visible signs of aging.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt0U4PifoOo (/ embed)

2. Peeling

Also recommended by Natalie? Eminence Organics Acai peeling with firm skin. Use this firming peeling solution up to three times a week to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to remove dead skin. If you prefer a more physical peel, our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant ensures that the skin feels smooth, with rhubarb and BioComplex to improve the signs of aging. Our Dermafoliant is gentle enough for everyday use and can either be mixed with a few drops of water or with a cleaning agent such as Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser.Eminence Organics Firm Haut Acai Peeling

3rd tone

To Balance the pH of the skin and prepare it for further treatment. Tightening is a crucial step in your skin care. We recommend our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist to soothe dry skin and make your complexion look radiant and youthful. This award-winning toner is deeply moisturizing thanks to ingredients such as stone harvest and aloe juice. Spray this mist directly on the skin or, if desired, first on a round of cotton and then gently rub it over the face.Eminence Organics Bamboo Firming Liquid

4. Treat

To treat the skin, ours Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate and Bamboo Firming Fluid work together seamlessly. Apply Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate first to refine pores and remove deposits. After absorption, massage a layer of our best-selling Bamboo Firming Fluid to moisturize the skin and improve the appearance of firmness and wrinkles.

5. Moisturize and protect

Moisture and sun protection are the key to fighting fine lines and shrinking pores. We recommend our Balancing Moisturizer Duo morning and evening to keep the skin hydrated without clogging the pores. Since this duo both a Green tea T-zone matting agent and a Grapefruit cheek hydratoryou can easily adjust to the moisture level your skin needs. During the day, a sun protection factor is the key. We recommend using our SPF 30 with red currant protective moisturizer over the duo to protect from the sun's rays while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.Eminence Organics Lotus detoxifying treatment overnight

6. Treat overnight

To give your skin extra love, consider including ours Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment in your routine. This luxurious creamy treatment repairs dry skin during sleep and detoxifies the pores. Apply a generous layer on the face and neck before bed and massage it deep into the skin. You will wake up with skin that looks rejuvenated and restored.

With this routine, we are confident that you can shrink your pores and fight the visible signs of aging. Do you have any additional products that you would include? What other pore size problems do you have? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on social media.